LGD 4033 (Ligandrol): Before and After Pictures, Dosage, Side Effects

What is LGD 4033?

LGD 4033, or Ligandrol, is a potent selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) typically used by weightlifters for bulking purposes due to its positive effects on muscle strength and hypertrophy (1).

Ligandrol and other SARMs show promise for the potential treatment of cachexia and sarcopenia due to their anabolic effects and tissue selectivity (2).

LGD 4033 strongly binds to the androgen receptor, similar to steroids. However, research has indicated that it is a weak agonist in the prostate (3).

Therefore, the androgenic effects of testosterone and other anabolic steroids will not occur with LGD 4033, preventing prostate hyperplasia (4).

What Are the Origins of LGD 4033?

LGD 4033 was created in 2007 and synthesized by Ligand Pharmaceuticals, hence its name, Ligandrol, an American biotechnology company.

The long-term effects of LGD 4033 are currently unknown, with it being classified as a research compound and yet to receive FDA approval (5).

Is LGD 4033 Legal?

LGD 4033 is not legal for cosmetic purposes (6). However, it is legal for research use; therefore, scientists may administer LGD 4033 to rodents.

Is LGD 4033 Banned in Sports?

Although LGD 4033’s side effects are not yet fully known, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has concluded that its positive attributes regarding athletic performance are currently obvious. Therefore, it has banned Ligandrol and other SARMs in professional sports since 2020 (7).

What Are the Benefits of Ligandrol?

• Muscle mass
• Muscular strength

Muscle Mass

• Dr. Michael Moeller says, “LGD 4033 stimulates testosterone and androgen receptors without converting into dihydrotestosterone or estrogen.”
• However, Dr. Moeller notes that clinical trials have not yet proven LGD 4033 to be a worthy replacement for testosterone replacement therapy in medicine (8).

Dr. Moeller states that women and men seeking anabolic effects, especially of the younger generation, are utilizing LGD 4033 today for the purpose of muscle building (9).

In phase 1 clinical trials, LGD 4033 has produced notable increases in lean muscle mass. One group of healthy young men received 1 mg/day for 3 weeks and gained 1.21 kg (10). Considering the brief cycle, modest dosage, and lack of training stimulus to maximize muscle hypertrophy, these are promising results.

Muscular Strength

In the above-cited study, the men also recorded increased leg press strength and power on the stair climber before and after the 3-week cycle. This is despite not regularly performing these specific exercises throughout the trial.

• Our patients typically report significant strength results on LGD 4033, even on a hypocaloric diet.
• We find that adding 30 pounds or more to squat and bench press exercises is relatively common after a cycle of LGD 4033, with its effects on strength being superior to its ability to add lean muscle.

LGD 4033 does not produce any notable fat loss, unlike Ostarine or Cardarine, making it more optimal for bulking than cutting (11, 12).

Disclosure: We do not accept any form of advertising on Inside Bodybuilding. We monetize our practice via doctor consultations and carefully chosen supplement recommendations, which have given our patients excellent results.

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What Are the Side Effects of Ligandrol?

According to Associate Professor Nial Wheate, “2013 and 2018 human trials demonstrated the safety of LGD 4033.” He also adds that LGD 4033 has “fewer side effects” in comparison to anabolic steroids (13). Despite initial success in clinical research, Wheate warns that LGD 4033 is “still experimental.”

Two mild side effects we see with LGD 4033 are headaches (cephalalgias) and a dry mouth (xerostomia). However, more troublesome side effects can also occur, such as:

• Cholesterol alterations (14)
• Testosterone suppression (15)
• Liver toxicity (16)
• Water retention and gynecomastia
• Male pattern baldness

Cholesterol

LGD 4033 has a significantly negative effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, with scientists observing an approximate reduction of 40% in 3 weeks on a dosage of 1 mg/day (17).

Generous levels of HDL cholesterol reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, improving heart health (18). Thus, low levels (hypoalphalipoproteinemia) increase the risk of myocardial infarction, similar to the extent of anabolic steroids (19, 20).

Such elevations in blood pressure may be attributed to LGD 4033 being administered orally and thus being metabolized by the liver. This can stimulate the enzyme hepatic lipase, causing deleterious alterations in HDL cholesterol, in conjunction with altered phospholipid levels (21).

The same research recorded low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels remaining stable. However, serum triglycerides decreased by almost 15%, potentially decreasing some cardiovascular strain.

Testosterone Suppression

SARMs, despite being non-steroidal, can still suppress natural testosterone levels due to their aggressive binding to the androgen receptor (22, 23). This action consequently decreases luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

We have found LGD 4033 to be the most potent SARM and the most suppressive. In the previously cited trial that administered 1 mg/day of Ligandrol, participants’ total testosterone declined by 50%. Free testosterone also experienced a similar 40% reduction.

After 56 days of drug cessation, users’ endogenous testosterone returned to standard levels. Thus, considering users commonly take 5 mg/day of LGD 4033 and upwards, testosterone suppression in this case is likely to be more severe, indicating significant temporary damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis (HPTA).

• Dr. Thomas O’Connor says, “LGD 4033 users will be temporarily shut down,” based on his experience of treating hundreds of men who have utilized the SARM.
• Dr. O’Connor adds that testosterone suppression is “the main risk of LGD 4033” and that his patients commonly experience depression until their hormones normalize.

Liver Toxicity

In a randomized clinical trial, LGD 4033 was given to 76 healthy men, producing no notable changes in serum aminotransferases in dosages of 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/day over 21 days (10).

However, one research paper reported a man developing jaundice following 10 mg/day of LGD 4033 for 2 weeks. Thus, the hepatotoxicity level of LGD 4033 may be dose-dependent, which supports what we have found anecdotally.

• Further research reported a 24-year-old man with hepatocellular liver injury following 9 weeks of LGD 4033 use (24).
• The dosage being utilized was not stated, so caution should be exercised when administering this SARM, with further research required to establish dosages inducing hepatotoxic effects.

Water Retention and Gynecomastia

In theory, LGD 4033 should not produce estrogenic side effects, as it does not aromatize or directly stimulate estrogen receptors.

However, we see Ligandrol compete with natural testosterone when binding to the androgen receptor. LGD 4033’s higher affinity means that the body’s natural testosterone concedes this duel and instead is increasingly available for binding to other receptors, such as estrogen.

Thus, LGD 4033 can indirectly cause higher estrogen levels, increasing the risk of potential edema or gynecomastia.

Male Pattern Baldness

Some LGD 4033 users report shedding or recession of hair on the scalp, similar to anabolic steroids. There are two reasons why such hair loss is possible, despite LGD 4033’s weak androgenicity. Similar to how estrogen levels can indirectly rise from more natural testosterone binding to other receptors, this is also how LGD 4033 can increase DHT levels, raising the body’s natural level of 5-alpha reductase (25).

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the hormone responsible for follicle miniaturization on the scalp, with excess levels causing androgenetic alopecia (26).

Another possible cause of LGD 4033-induced hair loss is telogen effluvium (27). Up to 90% of hair follicles are actively growing on the scalp, and 10% are resting. When hair follicles are in the growing or anagen phase, the average natural hair loss is 100 hairs a day (28). However, in the event of telogen effluvium and sudden hormonal changes in the body, 30% of hair follicles may enter the resting or telogen phase. This condition results in the daily loss of 300 hairs (29).

• We find that introducing SARMs to the body can stimulate telogen effluvium, essentially tripling the level of hair loss. However, such shedding is typically reversible post-cycle.
• Our patients often report hair thickening after 1–2 weeks following cycle cessation, with hormones regulating and hair follicles returning to the anagen or growing phase.

LGD 4033 Dosage

A dosage has not been established by medical experts at this time, with LGD 4033 yet to be FDA-approved. However, in trials, 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg dosages have been commonly used, with the higher dosages yielding more pronounced results (30).

Male weightlifters taking LGD 4033 for physique-enhancing purposes typically take 2–10 mg/day.

Females commonly opt for the lower dosages in this range, such as 2 mg/day, to prevent virilization side effects from occurring.

LGD 4033 is administered once per day. Dosages may be tapered, ensuring continued results for the duration of the cycle. Thus, 1–2 mg/day may be a starting dosage, with increases of 1–2 mg each week until a desired maximum dosage is achieved. Equally, some users may not opt to taper cycles out of convenience.

Although men can take up to 10 mg/day of LGD 4033, dosages in excess of 6 mg/day produce minimal additional results in our experience.

LGD 4033 Cycle

Non-Tapered Cycle for Men

Weeks	Dosage
1-8	6 mg/day

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Tapered Cycle for Men

Weeks	Dosage
1-2	4 mg/day
3-4	5 mg/day
5-8	6 mg/day

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For Women

Week	Dosage
1	1 mg/day
2	1 mg/day
3	2 mg/day
4	2 mg/day

Higher dosages and extended cycle durations can exacerbate side effects in users.

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LGD 4033 Results: Before and After Pictures

This Reddit user performed an 8-week LGD 4033 cycle, administering 5 mg/day. He initially gained 13 pounds, which decreased to 10 pounds when water weight subsided post-cycle.

He consumed a hypercaloric diet, also known as a calorie surplus; thus, some of this weight can be attributed to increased subcutaneous body fat.

He mentioned that friends and family commented on his larger arm size 3 weeks into the cycle, some of whom were unaware of his SARM use.

Considering his high-calorie intake, his results in terms of muscle hypertrophy from LGD 4033 could be regarded as mild. However, there was a dramatic difference in muscular strength, with before-and-after logs detailed as follows:

Bench Press

• Before: 185 lb x 5 repetitions
• After: 205 lb x 8 repetitions

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Overhead Press

• Before: 110 lb x 5 repetitions
• After: 125 lb x 6 repetitions

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Squat

• Before: 230 lb x 5 repetitions
• After: 255 lb x 8 repetitions

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Deadlift

• Before: 285 lb x 5 repetitions
• After: 315 lb x 8 repetitions

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This Reddit user also reported maintaining his results regarding strength post-cycle. In terms of how LGD 4033 affected him, he reported feeling the happiest he has felt in a long time. This report, combined with our anecdotal reports, suggests that Ligandrol may be an efficacious SARM for mental well-being.

In research, LGD 4033 has been shown to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression. When this protein is elevated, users can experience a euthymic mood (31).

The main side effect this subject experienced was lethargy, occurring from week 5 and thereafter.

Tiredness and fatigue are relatively common on LGD 4033 and can be a self-defense mechanism by the body, attempting to force rest due to increases in water retention and systolic blood pressure.

LGD 4033 Before and After 8 Weeks

This Reddit user underwent an 8-week cycle of LGD 4033 with an unknown dosage.

His results are a combination of muscle memory and Ligandrol use, as he had not lifted weights for 6 months prior to his LGD 4033 cycle.

A study found that 8 pounds of fat-free mass can be gained during the initial 8 weeks of weight training (32). He appears to have gained 15–20 pounds; thus, approximately half of his results are likely to be the byproduct of natural training, with potentially 7–12 pounds being attributed to LGD 4033.

What Are Some Sample Stacking Protocols for LGD 4033?

LGD 4033 and RAD 140 Stack

A common stack is to combine LGD 4033 with RAD 140, two of the most potent SARMs for promoting muscular strength and hypertrophy. Although stacking LGD 4033 with RAD 140 may enhance results, it will also exacerbate side effects, particularly:

• High liver values, medically known as transaminitis (33).
• High cholesterol, clinically referred to as hyperlipidemia (34).
• Testosterone suppression and hypogonadism

Sample Cycle:

Weeks	RAD 140 Dosage	LGD 4033 Dosage
1-8	10 mg/day	6 mg/day

Tapering the dosage as outlined previously in our LGD 4033 cycle section can also be performed with this stack. Although some users may opt against doing so out of convenience.

If tapering, LGD 4033 can begin at 4 mg/day for the first 2 weeks and increase to 6 mg/day from the third week onward. Higher dosages may be utilized; however, this is not recommended to avoid excessive side effects.

LGD 4033 and MK-677 Stack

LGD 4033 may also be stacked with MK-677, otherwise known as Ibutamoren, a growth hormone secretagogue. MK-677 increases growth hormone by stimulating the anterior pituitary gland and inhibiting somatostatin.

MK-677 increases muscle hypertrophy and enhances subcutaneous fat loss without exacerbating liver enzymes or cholesterol levels (35, 36).

This stack may be desirable for users seeking notable fat loss when bulking, thereby enhancing muscle definition as well as size.

However, we find MK-677 increases water retention and visceral fat, creating a more bloated and protruding look to the midsection. Higher levels of visceral fat storage are the result of MK-677’s negative effect on insulin resistance and lipogenesis (37, 38).

Sample Cycle:

Weeks	MK-677 Dosage	LGD 4033 Dosage
1-8	15 mg/day	6 mg/day
9-16	15 mg/day

MK-677 is slow-acting and thus requires ample time to peak growth hormone (GH) levels and affect body composition. An additional benefit of this cycle is that MK-677 supplementation exceeds LGD 4033’s by 8 weeks, thus acting as a form of post-cycle therapy in regard to maintaining an anabolic state upon Ligandrol cessation, helping to cement results.

LGD 4033, RAD 140, and MK-677 Stack: Before and After Pictures

This user published their transformation on Facebook after stacking LGD 4033, RAD 140, and MK-677 together.

He noticed a significant increase in muscle hypertrophy, gaining approximately 10 pounds. However, the addition of MK-677 led to an increase in visceral body fat percentage, as evidenced by a wider waist.

Water retention and subcutaneous body fat levels also appear to have increased slightly, potentially caused by higher amounts of natural aromatase. This alteration is the byproduct of natural testosterone ceasing its binding to the androgen receptor.

Is PCT Necessary for LGD 4033?

We have observed HPTA impairment following LGD 4033 during use. Consequently, users may accelerate the recovery of endogenous testosterone by employing PCT similar to that of steroid users (39).

Research has demonstrated that testosterone levels may not revert to their pre-treatment levels for nearly two months following a modest LGD 4033 dosage of 1 mg per day (40).

We have discovered that the duration of this recovery process can be reduced by 50% by administering Nolvadex or Clomid post-cycle (41).

Nolvadex is a more efficacious medication than Clomid. Thus, which medication we prescribe is determined by the level of suppression and how aggressive the PCT needs to be.

• A typical protocol involves the administration of 20 mg of Nolvadex daily for 30 days.
• If choosing Clomid, a dosage of 25 mg per day is effective for the same duration.

Nolvadex is an estrogen antagonist, causing an increase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone. This in turn causes additional luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone secretion. Clomid blocks estrogen receptors at a hypothalamic level, consequently stimulating endogenous testosterone biosynthesis.

PCT may not be necessary if users are not experiencing negative fluctuations in libido, sexual performance, vitality, or mood.

What is the Half-Life of LGD 4033?

LGD 4033’s half-life is 24–36 hours (42). Thus, a PCT protocol should commence approximately 8 days following the last dosage. This is because the elimination time is equal to 5.5 multiplied by the half-life.

What is the Recommended Method of Administration for Liquid LGD 4033?

Below are two common methods for administering LGD 4033 orally, with the first being the most prevalent:

1. Place the medication in the subject’s mouth, utilizing a dropper to determine the appropriate dosage, and then ingest.
2. As an alternative, LGD 4033 can be administered sublingually, which enhances absorption and intensifies its effects (43). This entails positioning the liquid beneath the tongue and allowing it to remain there for 10–15 seconds before ingesting.

Under-the-tongue placement enables contact with the mucous membrane, facilitating a more direct pathway into the circulation (44).

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of LGD 4033?

One dose of LGD 4033 is adequate for daily use. Our findings suggest that the biological availability of LGD 4033 remains consistent regardless of whether it is administered on an empty or full stomach.

LGD 4033 Reviews: What Are Researchers Observing?

The following LGD 4033 assessments and anecdotes have been published by researchers in our Facebook group.

I haven’t been in the gym since November due to health issues. I took a dose of LGD 4033, and my lats are so pumped they feel like they’re going to tear right off my body. I didn’t take any pre-workout or anything, just LGD.

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LGD 4033 is ace stuff. I took a 9-week course, and I put on some decent size and weight. I was lifting a lot more than normal. It takes a little time to kick in.

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I’ve been on LGD for 2 weeks, not really noticing anything yet, but I had a week off due to not being well. Hopefully, it will kick in this week.

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LGD 4033 is a great compound. That’s what my first cycle was with MK-2866. I started LGD 5 mg for 2 weeks and ostarine 15 mg, then I bumped it to 10 mg LGD and 25 mg MK-2866. Great results.

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I have an issue with gyno. I did a very suppressive cycle of LGD 4033, RAD 140, and YK-11. In the 4th week, I experienced a gyno flare-up, so I had blood work done, and my estrogen was 80 pg/ml, so I used exemestane, and estrogen went down to a normal level.

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LGD 4033 vs. LGD 3033: What is the Difference?

The medical classification that is both official and accurate is LGD 3303 (45, 46). Nevertheless, it is more commonly referred to as LGD 3033.

Some individuals are under the impression that LGD 3033 and LGD 4033 are structurally similar compounds due to their nearly identical names. However, the same corporation that established them, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, is the cause of their comparable nomenclature.

In practice, LGD 3033 exhibits divergent effects from LGD 4033, as the former generates dry muscle gains without any additional water retention. In this respect, LGD 3033 is more similar to YK-11, demonstrating enhanced anabolic effects and increased toxicity compared to LGD 4033.

• We commonly observe noteworthy increases in muscular strength from patients taking LGD 3033, which are more pronounced than LGD 4033.
• LGD 3033 also possesses a short half-life of 6 hours, compared to LGD 4033’s 24–36 hours; thus, more frequent dosing is required with LGD 3033 to sustain peak concentrations.

LGD 3033, however, will produce more notable side effects as a consequence of its increased anabolism. We observed a 60% reduction in total testosterone in one patient following a 6-week LGD 3033 cycle. Consequently, it is the most suppressive SARM that we have encountered in our testing.

LGD 3033 was met with particular enthusiasm by one of our patients, who compared it to a moderately dosed testosterone and Anavar cycle that he had previously employed. He indicated that, despite “his diet being off,” he displayed prominent muscle hypertrophy and strength. The subsequent regimen was administered to this patient:

Weeks	LGD 3033 Dosage
1-6	20 mg/day

He administered 10 mg of LGD 3033 twice daily, 12 hours apart.

Is LGD 4033 Less Detrimental for Hair Health Compared to Other SARMs?

We have also found that patients susceptible to hair loss on SARMs such as RAD 140 may respond more favorably to LGD 3033, which appears to preserve hair follicular health even in higher doses.

LGD 3033 exhibits more potent androgenic effects compared to other SARMs, with notable trapezius and deltoid growth.

We find patients also experience more frequent incidences of acne vulgaris from LGD 3033 due to increased sebum production. However, in research, we observe LGD 3033 being an agonist of the prostate, indicating a lack of androgenicity in this region and successful tissue selectivity (47).

Is LGD 3033 More Commonly Counterfeited Than LGD 4033?

In our experience, researchers often report on the effects of LGD 4033 congruously, while reports on LGD 3033 can be conflicting, with some reporting minimal effects and others experiencing exceptional results.

This variance may be due to a higher prevalence of counterfeit LGD 3033 products compared to LGD 4033.

Therefore, it is important to acquire LGD 3033 from a trustworthy SARM company that supplies certificates of analysis to prove authenticity and purity (48).

Is LGD 3033 More Potent Than LGD 4033?

LGD 4033 is known to be a less deleterious SARM compared to LGD 3033; however, the difference is due to researchers administering approximately 3 times higher doses of LGD 3033. Therefore, on a milligram basis, LGD 4033 can be viewed as the more toxic compound, hence the need for lower dosages.

It is common for us to observe subjects receiving 20 mg/day of LGD 3033 and only 6 mg/day of LGD 4033.

Are There Any Long-Term Implications of LGD 4033?

• Generally, LGD 4033’s toxic effects are transient and improve post-cycle, as indicated by our patients’ bloodwork. However, it is possible for individuals to experience deteriorations in health that persist after cycle cessation.
• Our patients’ ALT, AST, and cholesterol levels commonly improve several days following cycle cessation. However, users susceptible to liver fibrosis or left ventricle hypertrophy may experience more serious outcomes from LGD 4033 or other SARMs.

Our total testosterone tests suggest that endogenous levels recover at a slower pace, with the duration of recovery varying depending on the severity of HPTA injury, which can be several weeks or months.

However, it is possible for LGD 4033’s toxic effects to exacerbate and affect users long-term. A male patient of ours suffered a myocardial infarction following nine months of continuous use of LGD 4033 at a dosage of 30 mg/day. In order to facilitate cardiovascular recuperation, this user scheduled a consultation with us after his injury.

What Health Markers Should Users Monitor When Utilizing LGD 4033?

Serum bilirubin and sphygmomanometry tests are implemented during LGD 4033 cycles to monitor hepatic and cardiac health. We assess HPTA damage by measuring endogenous testosterone levels post-cycle. Following these test results, we address prospective medications with our patient for recovery.

What is the Price of LGD 4033?

• Sports Technology Labs: $59.99
• Chemyo: $79.99
• Paradigm Peptides: $59

Summary: LGD 4033 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Notable anabolism
• Substantial enhancements in strength
• Straightforward to acquire

Cons:

• Additional muscle mass may be achieved through the use of anabolic steroids.
• Demonstrates certain toxic effects

LGD 4033, or Ligandrol, on a milligram basis, is one of the most anabolic SARMs. However, its effects on muscle mass appear to be less than those of anabolic steroids based on existing research. LGD 4033’s impact on muscular strength appears to be exceptional, without producing excessive weight gain.

Can LGD 4033 Cause Steroid-Like Effects?

Despite limited research on LGD 4033 due to its formulation in 2007, we already have sufficient evidence to suggest it can induce steroid-like side effects, specifically regarding:

• Cholesterol alterations
• Liver fibrosis
• Testosterone suppression

The above side effects are listed in order of severity, with number one posing the most risk to health.

LGD 4033 Details	Description
Formula Name	4-[(2R)-2-[(1R)-2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl]-1-pyrrolidinyl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)-benzonitrile
Molecular Formula	C14H12F6N2O
Molecular Weight	338.25 g/mol
Chemical Structure
Classification	Selective Androgen Receptor Modulator (SARM)
Mechanism of Action	Binds selectively to androgen receptors inducing anabolism
Half-Life	Approximately 24–36 hours
Bioavailability	High (not well characterized)
Route of Administration	Oral
Primary Uses	Research on muscle wasting, osteoporosis, and frailty
Potential Effects	Muscle growth, fat loss, improved strength
Side Effects	Possible hormone imbalances and liver toxicity
Legal Status	Not approved for medical use; classified under anti-doping regulations

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